Trained by one of the elders of her small Nigerian village from a young age to be the tribe's next shaman, Akachi learned English along with the ways of the outside world from a Christian missionary. Whilst she ignored his attempts to convert her - she already knew far too much about the world which is hidden from the eyes of most mortals - she took all of his other teachings in her stride.

Finally, upon reaching adulthood, the elder called her to him, telling the young woman “Akachi, I have seen that a great trial is coming for you. You must go to the United States, to a city called Arkham. There, you will have to face one of the old creatures, using the things that I have taught you.” Thus Akachi made her way to America, finally landing on the shores of New England, and preparing for her greatest test.

The backstory given in Eldritch Horror varies slightly from the original. Rather than being sent to Arkham, Akachi travelled Africa teaching others the ways of the shaman, before beginning her quest in Cape Town.